Frequently Asked Questions

Is acupuncture right for me?

Many people visit our clinic seeking personalized support for pain, stress, sleep concerns, mobility issues, fatigue, and overall wellness. During your consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss your health history, current concerns, and goals and help determine whether acupuncture may be an appropriate option for you.

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I've never had acupuncture before. What should I expect?

You're not alone—many of our patients are new to acupuncture. During your first visit, Dr. Lee will review your health history, discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatments are designed to be comfortable, relaxing, and tailored to your needs.  

[Learn more: What to Expect at Your First Visit]

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Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin. Many people feel little or no discomfort during insertion, although some may notice brief sensations such as pressure, warmth, heaviness, or tingling. Individual experiences vary.

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How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture involves the placement of very fine needles at specific points on the body. Research suggests that acupuncture may help some people with certain pain and other health concerns, although the evidence varies by condition and individual responses differ.

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What conditions can acupuncture help support?

We commonly work with patients experiencing:

• Neck and back pain.    [Pain Management]

• Shoulder and knee pain

• Arthritis-related discomfort   [Pain Management]

• Stress and tension.    [Stress & Sleep]

• Sleep difficulties.   [Stress & Sleep]

• Headaches

• Women's health concerns.  [Women's Wellness]

• Mobility and healthy aging.  [Joint, Mobility & Recovery]

Acupuncture is used by many people as part of a comprehensive approach to improving overall health and quality of life.

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How many treatments will I need?

Every person is different. The number of treatments depends on your health concerns, how long you've experienced them, and your wellness goals.

Dr. Lee will discuss a personalized treatment plan and recommend an appropriate treatment schedule during your consultation.

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How will I feel after a treatment?

Many patients describe feeling relaxed after treatment. Depending on the individual, some people may also notice changes in muscle tension, comfort, sleep, or energy, while others may feel temporarily tired. Results vary from person to person.

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Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner using appropriate sterile, single-use needles. Like any healthcare intervention, acupuncture can have risks or side effects. Your practitioner can discuss whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

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Can I receive acupuncture during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Acupuncture may be considered during pregnancy or the postpartum period in appropriate circumstances, but suitability depends on the individual's health history, symptoms, and stage of pregnancy or postpartum recovery. Discuss your situation with your healthcare provider and practitioner. Herbal products can interact with medications.  [Explore Women's Wellness]

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Do you use herbal medicine?

Yes. When appropriate, Dr. Lee may recommend individualized herbal medicine based on your health history, current concerns, medications, lifestyle, and wellness goals.  [Explore Herbal Wellness]

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What is cupping therapy?

Cupping uses gentle suction to create negative pressure on the skin. It may be used as a complementary modality for certain muscle tension, discomfort, or relaxation goals. Individual experiences vary.

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Can acupuncture help support healthy aging?

Many adults include acupuncture as part of a broader healthy aging and wellness plan. Care may focus on comfortable movement, mobility, sleep, stress management, and maintaining everyday function and independence.  [Explore Healthy Aging]

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What makes Dr. Lee's approach different?

Dr. Lee Byung-Moon, DAcHM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), has more than 20 years of clinical experience and founded PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center in 2009. His approach combines individualized acupuncture and East Asian medicine care with a focus on pain, mobility, sleep, stress, and healthy aging. [Meet Dr. Lee]

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What is Traditional East Asian Medicine ?

Traditional East Asian Medicine is a broad system of health practices that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, manual therapies, and lifestyle approaches. At PureMe, these approaches are individualized according to each patient's health concerns, history, and goals.

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When should I see a doctor instead of relying on acupuncture?

New, severe, persistent, or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional. Acupuncture is complementary care and should not replace necessary medical evaluation or treatment.

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Research & References

    1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
        Acupuncture: What You Need To Know.NCCIH Acupuncture Overview

    2. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al.
        Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474.

    3. Langevin HM, Wayne PM, Macpherson H, et al.   
        Paradoxes in Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Moving Forward. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011.